BEACH Energy will contribute $5000 as part of its community sponsorship program to the Penola Golf Club for equipment and ground upgrades.
Following a vote of members last week, club president Paul Harmer has confirmed the sports club will receive sponsorship from the gas mining and exploration company.
“This is not a political stance,” Mr Harmer told The Pennant.
“We are a volunteer organisation with a need for funds to continue operation like many local sporting clubs.”
The company has been under fire as some residents continue to protest against the conventional Haselgrove-3 gas well near Penola.
In light of recent developments, Mr Harmer said the club’s management committee decided to take the matter to a meeting of members.
“We knew this would be controversial for some, so it was best to enlighten our members and allow them to have a say,” he said.
“We had around 35 members in attendance and the vote was overwhelmingly in favour for the sponsorship.”
He said the sponsorship was about maintaining the club, not taking a stance on either side of the debate over gas mining.
“With this decision comes the risk of us possibly losing sponsors because of the prominence of the issue,” Mr Harmer said.
“Beach Energy will be operating in the area with or without this sponsorship agreement – the broader issue is beyond the club.
“It is up to those concerned about the practices to approach their local politicians.”
Mr Harmer said the club had plans to install an automated watering system.
“As I see it, it is good they want to help us out and give back to the community,” he said.
“Beach Energy is just another business in the area looking to invest in local sporting clubs and associations.”
Other organisations in the area have also benefited from Beach Energy’s sponsorship program in the past.
Beach Energy spokesperson Glenn Toogood said the company made regular contributions to both local and national causes.
“Over the years, we have always been active in the communities we work in,” he said.
“We like to give back to projects and groups as much as possible.”
